Lee Perry Bender
Silversmith / Lapidarist
When I was six months old, my mother made a notation in my baby book – Favorite toy: BEADS!
So, jewelry of beads and rocks has pretty much been the story of my life. I made a necklace of paper beads when I was 10, which I still have and wear, though it has been restrung. Jewelry making became a more focused endeavor in 1969 when a friend gave me a small pair of jewelry pliers, which I still use. I also use a small pocket knife that my father always carried in his pocket -- it helps me open foldformed elements, and a very small brass hammer that belonged to my mother -- which helps when setting cabochons. Making jewelry is an expression of my passion for the beauty of natural gems and rocks.
So, jewelry of beads and rocks has pretty much been the story of my life. I made a necklace of paper beads when I was 10, which I still have and wear, though it has been restrung. Jewelry making became a more focused endeavor in 1969 when a friend gave me a small pair of jewelry pliers, which I still use. I also use a small pocket knife that my father always carried in his pocket -- it helps me open foldformed elements, and a very small brass hammer that belonged to my mother -- which helps when setting cabochons. Making jewelry is an expression of my passion for the beauty of natural gems and rocks.
Using silversmithing and lapidary skills, I fabricate one-of-a-kind art jewelry. For the most part I work with fine silver (.999) and Argentium silver (.935) in the form of wire and sheet, as well as gold accents. I sometimes create the cabochons I use from rough rock or slabs of rock; however, I also buy many fascinating cabochons -- they are, after all, one-of-a-kind creations so I can't pass them up!
A fellow artist says that my jewelry is "edgy," and a recent customer described a piece as "perfectly imperfect." I like both of those descriptions. I have pieces at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin, North Carolina; at Gallery Zella, in Bryson City, North Carolina; and at certain times, The Bascom, in Highlands, North Carolina.
A fellow artist says that my jewelry is "edgy," and a recent customer described a piece as "perfectly imperfect." I like both of those descriptions. I have pieces at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin, North Carolina; at Gallery Zella, in Bryson City, North Carolina; and at certain times, The Bascom, in Highlands, North Carolina.
Click to enlarge.
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Above: Black Opal / Silver Earrings
Below: "Red" Diamond / Silver Earrings |
Above: Eudialyte / Silver
Below: Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper and Rosarita / Silver |
Above: Ruby / Silver Earrings
Below: Fused Argentium Silver Dangles |
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Above: Nipomo Marcasite and Blue Flash Moonstone / Silver
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Above: Turquoise / Silver Earrings
Below: WORKS IN PROGRESS |
Above: Royston Tfurquoise, Boulder Opal
and Rubelite Tourmaline / Silver |
